Photo of front porch, where Mom and I will soon have coffee. The wind blew off the makeshift curtain (an attempt to shade the area at lunchtime…)
la chaise-longue (shez- lowng)
: lawn chair
Elle est dans le jardin, en train de lire sur sa chaise-longue. She's in the garden, reading on her lawn chair.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
"I could hear you girls giggling all night long!" Mom called out.
I looked up from the flower bed, where I had been experimenting with an ice plant (could one really stick a griffe de sorcière in the ground.. and it would grow?). "Good morning Mom!" I chirped, waving the experimental cutting.
A second-story window framed my mom and the morning sun dazzled her eyes, which sparkled with life. She had her silver hair tied back and her olive complexion was as fresh as the morning dew that covered the plants beneath me. I could tell Mom was full of energy today. Perhaps we could do something special to mark this, her second-to-last day in France before returning home to Mexico?
"Come have your tea with me?" I stood up, shook the dirt from my hands and pointed to the picnic table.
Mom was down in a flash and we were reliving the previous evening, in which I had the pleasure of spending time with Ann and Katia, a writer and a beloved podcaster. I rarely have the occasion to speak in person with people who do similar work to my own, and it was interesting to talk about the highs and lows of creative work.
Mom loved my friends and I assured her that they found her just as endearing. "I'm sorry I talked too much…" Mom apologized, as we took our cups of tea and walked from the front porch to the meadow, below, to have a look at all the plants among the olive trees.
"Don't worry about it!" I said, feeling a little ashamed for having elbowed Mom the night before. Having realized she was three-quarters of the way through her life story, I wondered: had Mom gotten to the part where she was rescued? Strapped onto a lawn chair and lowered onto a Mexican panga boat to be transferred from the remote fishing village to a city hospital? Ironically, that would be the beginning of her nightmare.).
I was sorry to have been disrespectful to my Mom and regretted my words from the night before (along with a few other things I'd said during her four week visit to France). And now Mom would be leaving soon. Had we said and done all we had wished to say and do?
"I just want to lie here in the garden," Mom said, "here under this olive tree. I'll go get the other lawn chair."
"Stay there! I'll get it for you!" I dashed off, past the wild fennel and the bright red poppies, to the terrain de pétanque–where those "witches fingernails" I'd been transplanting grew–and snatched up the chaise longue.
We arranged the lawn chairs along the slope, until we were looking up at one of the ancient olive trees. "I'd like this one to be mine," Mom suggested. "Could you put my name on it?"
It was a lovely idea. I could then sit by the tree and think of Mom while she was an ocean away….
"Look over there," I said, pointing to a figuier I'd discovered the day before. The little fig tree (really a series of shoots from an ancient trunk) had been completely overrun by an invasive bush. The night before, I'd gotten the long-handled shears and freed it of its leafy invader and could now admire it from where Mom and I were sitting. "OK, I said, this one is Jules! And do you know what I've named the little fig tree?"
Mom's eyes were bright with curiosity.
"Newton!"
We sat there laughing beneath the olive tree, remembering yesteryear–before one of us moved to Mexico and the other to France. Back when we shared tall glasses of milk and those favorite fig-filled cookies.
"Fig Newtons…" Mom said, reminiscent.
"I'll call him "Newey" for short." I winked at my mom, who smiled as we gazed at our trees, affectionately.
As the wind blew through the trees' branches, causing the leaves to rustle, our conversation carried on, lackadaisically. I no longer hoped we were making the most of our time, but knew that this cozy moment was the yesteryear of tomorrow–as comforting and sweet as those fig-filled cookies.
* * *
Making memories with Mom. After Mom befriended this guy, she handed me the ball to play.
Don't tell Smokey and Braise… We'll bring them the next time!
Tidying up the house before tidying up ourselves… and heading out to explore another seaside town…
Mom, "la capitaine", at the port in La Ciotat. I think it's time to name Mom's fish purse à la Mr Sacks. Suggestions welcome in the comments box!
At the seaside market in La Ciotat, I bought a jujube tree and a few other natives to plant in our garden, beside the Mediterranean strawberry tree, or arbusier. What are some other local trees and fruit-bearing shrubs that you would suggest? Meantime, Mom and I are busy trying to identify more than trees… but all of the edible weeds and medicinal plants here in the olive field or meadow: plantain, fumeterre, fennel, lucerne, chardon de marie, pissenlit… and heaps of thyme and rosemary.
I'm going to miss you so much, Mom. Come back soon! And thank you for being my sweet maman. While her adoring husband is waiting for her back in Mexico, help me wish Mom bon voyage, here in the comments box.
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Buen viaje, Jules!
By the way, isn’t it spelled arbousier, the strawberry tree?
Buen viaje, Jules!
By the way, isn’t it spelled arbousier, the strawberry tree?
WHAT a sweet mom and daughter story! You are so lucky to have each other. Bon retour, Jules.
I want to thank everyone who read and commented on last week’s post. Both for supporting my new book and for adding the funny language bloopers. I was on the floor laughing by the time I went through them. They were absolutely priceless, merci!
WHAT a sweet mom and daughter story! You are so lucky to have each other. Bon retour, Jules.
I want to thank everyone who read and commented on last week’s post. Both for supporting my new book and for adding the funny language bloopers. I was on the floor laughing by the time I went through them. They were absolutely priceless, merci!
Such a beautiful Mother you have! And where can I buy the top she wears here in these photos? It looks great on her. Greatfull for your reply on this.
Best regards, Chris
Such a beautiful Mother you have! And where can I buy the top she wears here in these photos? It looks great on her. Greatfull for your reply on this.
Best regards, Chris
Chris, Moms husband shops for her, as Mom hates shopping. John buys her clothes in Puerta Vallarta, wher they live.
Chris, Moms husband shops for her, as Mom hates shopping. John buys her clothes in Puerta Vallarta, wher they live.
YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY IS ALSO SAD TO SEE YOU GO. THERE HAS BEEN GREAT JOY IN THE WRITINGS OF KRISTIN, DURING YOUR VISIT. I HAVE ENJOYED EACH POSTING, AS IT HAS ENABLED ME TO BE THERE, TO SHARE THE BEAUTY OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS.
THANKS AGAIN JULES FOR YOUR HELP IN WINNING “THE KEY”. A REAL LIFE CHANGER.
STAY SAFE,
GUS ELISON,JACKSONVILLE,FL.
YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY IS ALSO SAD TO SEE YOU GO. THERE HAS BEEN GREAT JOY IN THE WRITINGS OF KRISTIN, DURING YOUR VISIT. I HAVE ENJOYED EACH POSTING, AS IT HAS ENABLED ME TO BE THERE, TO SHARE THE BEAUTY OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS.
THANKS AGAIN JULES FOR YOUR HELP IN WINNING “THE KEY”. A REAL LIFE CHANGER.
STAY SAFE,
GUS ELISON,JACKSONVILLE,FL.
Dear Kristi,
I love your sharing Maman stories with us. Maybe one day, Jules will share her story – from USA to Mexico.
I do miss my Mama who is back home in the Philippines. She’ll be 86 in August.
Bon weekend!
And bon voyage, Jules!
Dear Kristi,
I love your sharing Maman stories with us. Maybe one day, Jules will share her story – from USA to Mexico.
I do miss my Mama who is back home in the Philippines. She’ll be 86 in August.
Bon weekend!
And bon voyage, Jules!
Traveling mercies, Jules! How wonderful for you and Kristi to have this time together–beaucoups de beautiful memories to carry with you. Sitting together under the ancient olive trees-it doesn’t get much better than that. Sweet.
Traveling mercies, Jules! How wonderful for you and Kristi to have this time together–beaucoups de beautiful memories to carry with you. Sitting together under the ancient olive trees-it doesn’t get much better than that. Sweet.
Bonjour,
Pour nous filles, nous ditons, « A la prochaine, Jules » parce que nous les verrons de temps a autre…jamais au revoir. J’adore « fig newtons » aussi. Ma maman habite six heures de voiture. Je n’y habite plus.
Janine
Bonjour,
Pour nous filles, nous ditons, « A la prochaine, Jules » parce que nous les verrons de temps a autre…jamais au revoir. J’adore « fig newtons » aussi. Ma maman habite six heures de voiture. Je n’y habite plus.
Janine
Bon voyage, Jules. I know these partings are bittersweet but you return home with lovely stories for yourself, Kristin and us – this one was warm, fuzzy and giggly. Just the way we like them.
Bon voyage, Jules. I know these partings are bittersweet but you return home with lovely stories for yourself, Kristin and us – this one was warm, fuzzy and giggly. Just the way we like them.
Bon voyage, Jules, safe travels. It always amazes me how fast the time goes and as I get older it seems to go faster. Thank goodness for intown grandchildren who slow it down a little, but they still grow up too fast.
Bon voyage, Jules, safe travels. It always amazes me how fast the time goes and as I get older it seems to go faster. Thank goodness for intown grandchildren who slow it down a little, but they still grow up too fast.
Lovely writing, Kristin. And aren’t mother/daughter relationships fun although sometimes challenging? You two are a dynamic duo.
Priscilla in La Nouvelle Orleans
Lovely writing, Kristin. And aren’t mother/daughter relationships fun although sometimes challenging? You two are a dynamic duo.
Priscilla in La Nouvelle Orleans
It’s interesting to see this definition for lawn chair here. Chaise-longue here in the U.S. means a long couch-like piece of pool side furniture that one can stretch out on, lean back(the back part tilts up)and work on a tan. It’s not a small chair that is just for sitting. Curious!
It’s interesting to see this definition for lawn chair here. Chaise-longue here in the U.S. means a long couch-like piece of pool side furniture that one can stretch out on, lean back(the back part tilts up)and work on a tan. It’s not a small chair that is just for sitting. Curious!
Wondering if Jules will charm the airline people into bumping her up to first class. . . How bittersweet, leaving the warmth of your French family behind, but returning to your lovely marina in PV. Bon voyage and greetings to John and Breezy.
Wondering if Jules will charm the airline people into bumping her up to first class. . . How bittersweet, leaving the warmth of your French family behind, but returning to your lovely marina in PV. Bon voyage and greetings to John and Breezy.
What a lovely way to end your time with your Mom !! Some very warm and touching moments that only a mother and daughter can share. The time has gone way to fast! Wishing Jules a pleasant trip home and taking yet more memories with her .You will miss her I’m sure but have those two special kids to take up the slack now (and your handsome man…and gorgeous dogs!) Enjoy the rest of your summer.
What a lovely way to end your time with your Mom !! Some very warm and touching moments that only a mother and daughter can share. The time has gone way to fast! Wishing Jules a pleasant trip home and taking yet more memories with her .You will miss her I’m sure but have those two special kids to take up the slack now (and your handsome man…and gorgeous dogs!) Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Jules you both look happy et so lovely! Being of the same age with a daughter close in age to Kristin, I do understand how special your visit has been. Souvenirs les plus précieux. Bon voyage chérie!
Jules you both look happy et so lovely! Being of the same age with a daughter close in age to Kristin, I do understand how special your visit has been. Souvenirs les plus précieux. Bon voyage chérie!
Jules,
you and your daughter are so beautiful — you are a breath of spring air! oh and i love your hats too!
so nice to see you both spend lovely moments together.
Jules,
you and your daughter are so beautiful — you are a breath of spring air! oh and i love your hats too!
so nice to see you both spend lovely moments together.
It always makes me shudder when I hear a chaise-longue referred to here in the U.S. as a “chaise lounge”!
Not very imaginative, but what about “poisson rouge” (goldfish) for the purse.
It always makes me shudder when I hear a chaise-longue referred to here in the U.S. as a “chaise lounge”!
Not very imaginative, but what about “poisson rouge” (goldfish) for the purse.
This is always the best way to start my day – when I see your blog in my in basket and I know I will be in for a treat for my eyes and my soul. And you never disappoint, Kristi! Hugs to you both and traveling mercies to your Mom until she reaches her “other” home in Mexico. Hugs, rk
This is always the best way to start my day – when I see your blog in my in basket and I know I will be in for a treat for my eyes and my soul. And you never disappoint, Kristi! Hugs to you both and traveling mercies to your Mom until she reaches her “other” home in Mexico. Hugs, rk
Bon voyage, Jules! You and Kristi are beautiful inside and out. I have enjoyed your visit with the lovely photos (thank you so much, Kristi). We shall all miss you and look forward to your comments and advice from your lovely part of the world in Mexico. Wishing you a safe journey…..
Bon voyage, Jules! You and Kristi are beautiful inside and out. I have enjoyed your visit with the lovely photos (thank you so much, Kristi). We shall all miss you and look forward to your comments and advice from your lovely part of the world in Mexico. Wishing you a safe journey…..
Ms Fish for the purse, I think.
How lovely to have a long visit with your mother.
In the top photo, what is the mesh above the balcony? Does it catch falling figs?
Ms Fish for the purse, I think.
How lovely to have a long visit with your mother.
In the top photo, what is the mesh above the balcony? Does it catch falling figs?
Your Mom is so beautiful and vibrant–yes, that sparkling energy does shine through her eyes even in these photos. Methinks the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…I wish her safe travels back to Mexico and her happy husband even though I imagine it might be a bumpy day emotionally for you both. Oh, I always cry, yes, even at this age, when it is time to say goodbye to my Mom at the airport. For me, being so far from her is the hardest part of living in France.
And your Mom is not to blame…I experienced first hand a bubbling over of chattiness in the company of that fine duo (wrote about it too), they pull the stories out of you! 🙂
Bon Weekend Kristin and Jules,
Heather
Your Mom is so beautiful and vibrant–yes, that sparkling energy does shine through her eyes even in these photos. Methinks the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…I wish her safe travels back to Mexico and her happy husband even though I imagine it might be a bumpy day emotionally for you both. Oh, I always cry, yes, even at this age, when it is time to say goodbye to my Mom at the airport. For me, being so far from her is the hardest part of living in France.
And your Mom is not to blame…I experienced first hand a bubbling over of chattiness in the company of that fine duo (wrote about it too), they pull the stories out of you! 🙂
Bon Weekend Kristin and Jules,
Heather
Ooh yes much use of chaise longue on both sides of the Atlantic. Including the misplace u for those Americans who do not comprehend longue and force it into lounge.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaise_longue
Ooh yes much use of chaise longue on both sides of the Atlantic. Including the misplace u for those Americans who do not comprehend longue and force it into lounge.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaise_longue
So sorry to hear that Jules is leaving already, although I imagine that John wouldn’t see it that way! 🙂 How fun that you had Ann and Katia over for a visit! No wonder there was giggling throughout the night! I just pre-ordered two copies of Ann’s new book, “Mastering the Art of French Eating” and then I see that you’ve had a nice visit with her! Such a small world. Jules, enjoy your last two days in France and have an easy trip home. One day you will have to stop over in Wales as well.
So sorry to hear that Jules is leaving already, although I imagine that John wouldn’t see it that way! 🙂 How fun that you had Ann and Katia over for a visit! No wonder there was giggling throughout the night! I just pre-ordered two copies of Ann’s new book, “Mastering the Art of French Eating” and then I see that you’ve had a nice visit with her! Such a small world. Jules, enjoy your last two days in France and have an easy trip home. One day you will have to stop over in Wales as well.
Kristen,
Just wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog. I found it when I first started learning French in August 2012. I also wanted to say that we really do live in a small world. Several months ago, I read a story on here about a friend of yours named Susan Sparkman. A few days later, I realized that she is the same Susan who is a member of our small French “club” in Tyler, Texas. Pretty cool to make a connection between someone here I know and someone in France. I have not had the opportunity to travel to France or Europe yet, but I will do my best to get there one day. Learning the language just gets me several steps closer..
Kristen,
Just wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog. I found it when I first started learning French in August 2012. I also wanted to say that we really do live in a small world. Several months ago, I read a story on here about a friend of yours named Susan Sparkman. A few days later, I realized that she is the same Susan who is a member of our small French “club” in Tyler, Texas. Pretty cool to make a connection between someone here I know and someone in France. I have not had the opportunity to travel to France or Europe yet, but I will do my best to get there one day. Learning the language just gets me several steps closer..
Hi Kristin and Jules,
Sounds like you all have had such a nice time together and I love the accompanying photos! I know when my mom visits, the time goes by way to fast and then it’s time to say goodbye.
Hi Kristin and Jules,
Sounds like you all have had such a nice time together and I love the accompanying photos! I know when my mom visits, the time goes by way to fast and then it’s time to say goodbye.